The comments on this article are funny, intriguing and frustrating. There are many people out there who think going gluten free will solve their weight-loss problems or people who think fat is the devil. Folks, reality check, gluten is bad but so is refined sugar and rice. These things are the reason we gain weight, not just gluten. There are many good comments on this post. One in which states to the author that stating that people should just "go to the doctor" assumes they have the means, health insurance and the ability to get to the doctor. This article is written from a classed perspective for sure and a privileged vantage point.
I'm sure that folks will say Paleo is a fad but fortunately for me, it's a fad that doesn't make me feel gross, ill, or have issues in my digestion. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can process food.
For example, pancakes, packed with gluten and sugar and whatever else. They were a staple growing up but every time I eat pancakes, they go right through me. I end up in the bathroom 15-25 minutes after consuming them. Gluten sensitivity? I think so.
Some symptoms of gluten intolerance or celiac disease: (these are the ones I experienced) (http://glutenfreenetwork.com/faqs/symptoms-treatments/gluten-intolerance-symptoms-how-do-you-know-if-gluten-is-making-you-sick/)
- Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
- Fat in the stools (due to poor digestion)
- Aching joints
- Head aches
- Exhaustion
- Irritability and behavioral changes
- Cramps, tingling and numbness
- Decline in dental health
Now that's a problem! I now, thanks to my wife, know that I cannot handle gluten, my system isn't working to its fullest potential with that foreign substance in my digestive track.
The author of the original article makes some valid points about using "Oh I'm gluten free" as a fad or a diet could potentially hurt those of us who really can't ingest it and if we do, we pay a price but I think it's also helping us because we can tell a server at a restaurant or a bakery or somewhere else that we are G-Free and they will know more than they would have several years ago. I for one, was a server and had NO idea what gluten was, what it could be found in and how to get it out of food for my costumers. I also thought it was a fad because I didn't know it was making me sick. But I became more knowledgeable about it and was able to help my costumers. I think there being more awareness around gluten intolerance, just like lactose intolerance, helps us. And if you think the food you could be consuming might be contaminated, say something, know yourself, ask questions, be your own advocate.
I just skimmed the original article, and I don't have gluten allergy so I can't commiserate with the author, but I do agree that just going gluten free will not necessarily mean a healthy change for everyone. There are lots of processed gluten-free options out there that are full of fat and sugar and chemicals. There are healthy ways to go gluten free, but there are also healthy ways eat that include some gluten (the Forks over knives diet comes to mind). The problem is people are just cutting out gluten and not paying attention to much else.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe gluten itself is bad for everyone. My parents tried a gluten-free diet for a whole month and saw no results, and did not have any ill effects going back (they ate healthy to begin with and continued to do so). I do feel that large trends like this may not necessarily be BAD (especially for the people it helps like yourself), but it's hard not to wonder if for the majority of people out there it's not just a "fad". I feel like they are always telling us different things. Don't eat eggs, eat eggs. Don't eat butter eat margarine, oh wait no margarine is evil eat butter! Saturated fat is the devil, oh wait, no Trans Fat is and saturated fat in small amounts is actually good for us. Eat meat, don't eat mean, no eat meat!!!!
It's exhausting!!!
I am glad that gluten allergies and sensitives (and food allergies in general, which I do have some experience in because Nathan is allergic to eggs and is dairy sensitive) have become more known. However I think the author was just hoping that the public doesn't start using it as (and therefore identifying it as) one of those cure-all fad diets (like the grapefruit diet, or the cabbage soup diet). Because then people will take it less seriously, which in turn may actually hurt the people who really need to follow the diet (where-as no one I know needs to follow the cabbage soup diet for health reasons :-).
I'm glad that Paleo is working for you. We have chosen the alternate route of Forks over Knives. I think both diets have merit because they focus on real food that isn't processed, and that is what makes them healthy. People that do not have sensitives or allergies should focus on that more. I couldn't do paleo because of my high chance of developing colon cancer, so FOK works better for me, as well as for Apoorva's health issues.
I totally agree with you Sam. And I'm not trying to say everyone should be Paleo. I firmly believe people need to figure out what works for them and their bodies. I think the author is not mentioning her intake of gluten free products which if you've read the back of one, they aren't very "healthy."
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you commenting! :D